Should not the shepherds feed the flocks

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 32-34

Ezekiel 34:2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?

A shepherd is supposed to look after the sheep that he is entrusted with. They are to care for them and make sure they are in a place where they can thrive. The shepherd is to move them to good pasture and make sure they have adequate water. At night the shepherd pens them up to keep them safe from predators. When the sheep are sick, the shepherd cares for them. An isolated sheep is in jeopardy of it's life and so the shepherd makes sure they do not get scattered.

The image is one that is very vivid. This is the object lesson that God uses many times in Scripture. Leaders of people are called shepherds in Scripture. In Israel, the priests, prophets and kings were to shepherd the people. In the New Testament, elders are called shepherds or pastors (same word).

The shepherds of Israel were not doing their job. They were not feeding the sheep. They were allowing the sheep to scatter and they were feeding on the sheep rather than feeding them. It happened in Ezekiel's day and it can happen today. The shepherds must feed the sheep and care for them.

Jesus told Simon Peter:
John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

Paul told the Ephesian elders:
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Peter wrote in his epistle:
1 Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

If you have a pastor that feeds the church of God the Word of God, rejoice! Pray for him and encourage him. It is a blessing to be a part of a church that is regularly fed the Word of God.

However, no matter what the earthly shepherds do, always remember that you do have the Chief Shepherd taking care of you.

John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

It is good news to know that the good shepherd loves his sheep and laid down his life for us. He does not exploit the sheep. He loves and cares for the sheep. You can trust him.

In Christ,
Rody